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Gun, Sword Found at Dulles Airport Security Checkpoint

This sword was detected by TSA officers at Dulles International Aiport. The sword was concealed inside of a cane. (Photo credit: TSA)

LANHAM, Md. (CBSDC) — A gun and a sword were found during a screening at a security checkpoint at Dulles International Airport last week, officials say.

A Maryland man was stopped going through the checkpoint’s X-ray machine Aug. 8 after Transportation Security Administration officers spotted a gun in the man’s carry-on bag. That same day, a man from Mexico was stopped with a sword concealed inside a cane while going through security.

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority police confiscated the man’s gun, a 9-mm Smith & Wesson, as well as six rounds of ammunition, and cited him on a state weapons charge. He was allowed to board his plane to Denver with no further issues.

The Mexican man told TSA officers that he purchased the cane at a flea market and was unaware the sword was concealed inside. He surrendered the weapon and boarded his flight to Mexico City without any other issues.

Weapons are not allowed in carry-on bags but can be placed in checked bags if they are unloaded, properly packed and declared to the airline.

TSA has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on its web site.